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Miami-Dade County reinstated fares on Metrorail and Metrobus, effective June 1, but thanks to the People’s Transportation Plan (PTP) and the half-penny sales surtax, everyone can continue to ride fare-free on Metromover, and all Miami-Dade County seniors and eligible veterans can continue to ride fare-free on transit with a Golden Passport and Patriot Passport.
In November 2002, Miami-Dade County voters approved a half-penny sales surtax that provided the financial backing for many transit and public works improvements, including the establishment of the Golden Passport program.
The Golden Passport provides fare-free public transportation to Miami-Dade County residents 65 years of age and older, and those who are 64 and younger who receive Social Security benefits. This program was later extended to include the Patriot Passport, which provides fare-free benefits to qualifying veterans.
Currently, there are more than 205,900 registered Golden Passport users, and more than 2,100 registered Patriot Passport veterans who benefit from the program.
While the Department of Transportation and Public Works has reopened its Downtown Miami Golden/Patriot Passport office, the best way to apply for, renew or replace a Golden Passport or Patriot Passport continues to be online. Golden Passport cards for residents who are 65 years of age and older are valid for 20 years. Social Security beneficiaries 64 years of age and younger who have a Golden Passport, and Patriot Passport users, must renew their cards annually.
The department also has extended the renewal of Special Passes until Dec. 30. These include Golden Passports for those who are 64 years and younger, and Patriot Passports. Visit the Golden Passport page for more information on how to renew a Golden Passport or a Patriot Passport.
Other significant improvements have been made to Miami-Dade County’s transit and roadway systems through the investment of surtax funds under the PTP. Visit the CITT’s website to learn more, and see how the PTP is moving forward with the Five-Year Implementation Plan of the PTP.
